Jackson's big plays lift Eagles over Cowboys 30-27

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson pauses on the goal line before scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

December 12, 2010 8:43:10 PM PST

By JAIME ARON AP Pro Football Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - December 12, 2010 --

DeSean Jackson stopped at the edge of the goal line, turned to face the defense and tipped over backward into the end zone.

No, he wasn't worn out from running 91 yards. He just wanted to add a finishing splash to this game-changing play.

Jackson's go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter was among many big plays for him and the Philadelphia Eagles, sending them to a 30-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

Philadelphia (9-4) ended a three-game losing skid to its NFC East rival and moved a half-game ahead of the New York Giants in the division race. The Eagles will take a streak of five wins in six games to New York on Sunday for a showdown with the Giants.

Dallas (4-9) fell behind in the opening minutes, yet kept it close and even led 20-14. But Philadelphia was relentless, dropping the Cowboys to 3-2 under interim coach Jason Garrett. They are guaranteed their first losing season since 2004.

Jackson caught a 60-yard pass on the opening play of the game and kept biting off huge chunks of yards. On only four catches, he gained 210 yards, third-most in franchise history.

His performance helped mask an otherwise rocky outing by Michael Vick - two interceptions, matching his season total, and trouble converting on third downs. Dallas sacked him twice and blasted him with hard hits all night, including one that drew a penalty for a helmet-to-helmet hit.

Vick went 16 of 26 for 270 yards. Take out Jackson's numbers, though, and his other 12 completions produced 60 yards. He also ran for a touchdown.

LeSean McCoy ran 16 times for 149 yards, including a 56-yarder. Jon Kitna was 24 of 35 for 242 yards for the Cowboys, also with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Eagles lost middle linebacker Stewart Bradley to a dislocated right elbow in the second quarter. The already were without injured starters safety Asante Samuel and right tackle Winston Justice, neither of whom even made the trip.

Before kickoff, the Cowboys showed a video tribute to former star quarterback Don Meredith, who died last Sunday. It was followed by a moment of silence.